TOKYOism

A career-high 15 goals in a challenging season
Q, what are your thoughts reflecting on this season?
A、I believe this has been a difficult season where no one is satisfied or content with the results. I feel deeply sorry for the fans and supporters, and I am filled with frustration.

Q, I believe it was a fulfilling season as I scored a career-high of 15 goals, but it did not lead to results for the team.
A,football is not as simple as saying that this happened because we couldn't do that, or that it would have been better if we could have done this. Therefore, I feel it is difficult to discuss the causes here and now. However, considering the strength of the team and the abilities of the players, I believe we could have done more.

Mid-season coaching change

Q, this season, former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA resigned mid-season, and Peter CKLAMOVSKI was appointed as the new coach. How did you perceive this change?
A,the change of coach is never a good event, but I believe that Coach Klamovski, who took office under those circumstances, has brought good things with a style of football centered on intense pressing from the front and quick transitions. However, I think it was not that simple to implement everything he wanted to do in such a short period since taking office.

Q: Since Coach CKLAMOVSKI took office, has Diego OLIVEIRA's role or awareness changed?
A、I think both former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA and coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI had their strengths, but now we often have three forwards positioned up front. Speaking from my position, I was required to stay more in the center without drifting too much to the sides. There might be some differences in how we move up front, but I felt comfortable playing within my role.

Q: As a club, we have aimed for a change in style over the past two seasons. How do you feel about the results and challenges in that process?
A、I believe these past two seasons have been a transitional period for the team. The soccer style during the time of former coach Kenta HASEGAWA (currently with Nagoya Grampus) was different from the current style, but regardless of the merits or flaws of each style, we achieved results and won titles under former coach HASEGAWA. Since then, the style has changed, and we are continuing this season, but it is essential for everyone to think about what we can do to win even more. I believe we need to cultivate our mentality both on and off the pitch. With Coach CKLAMOVSKI coming in, I think we are able to have intense training, but we must also consider our behavior off the pitch, not just on it.。

Q, does that mean each player should face soccer more and more?
A、I believe it is necessary to face soccer more seriously. Of course, practice is also essential. I think we need to continue with rigorous training, but just as importantly, we must strengthen our mentality. There are various scenarios in matches. There may be times when we concede two goals in the first half. How we behave in those moments is crucial. If we have the ability to maintain a strong mentality in any situation, we should be able to overcome such circumstances. Right now, we need to train our mentality. If we do that, I believe we will see results in many different areas.

Sharing one's experience with the team and the younger generation

Q: While it was a difficult season, it was also a season where young players, mainly from the Paris Olympic generation, spent a lot of time on the pitch.
A、I believe their growth is very positive. The reason for their growth is due to their hard work, as well as the training and match content and results as a team, which I think has allowed them to earn the right to stand on the pitch. From now on, I want the younger players to take on more responsibility and lead the team in the future. At the same time, we experienced players need to take the lead more. It is not good to put pressure on the younger players, so we must lead and encourage their growth without putting unnecessary pressure on them.

Q: At 33 years old, you recorded a career-high number of goals. Do you think you have regained your form from before last season when you had to step away, or are you evolving? How do you analyze your current condition?
A,I believe everyone understands that I have reached a certain age and am now considered a veteran, which is different from when I was younger. Even at my current age, I need to think about growth and leveling up, but I have experiences now that I didn't have when I was young. Those experiences may contribute to this season's performance. Conversely, I want to give back to the team and younger players by sharing what I have experienced both on and off the pitch. To be honest, my physical balance is different now than when I was younger, so I need to take that into consideration moving forward.

Q, "I have heard the words 'I want to retire in Tokyo,' but what do you want to leave behind in this club?"
A,I believe that being here means I still have something to contribute to the team and that I am needed by the team. Within that, I want to convey various behaviors to different players day by day and have them observe it. My beard and hair are gradually turning white, so I think I will retire before they turn completely white (laughs). Putting such jokes aside, as long as I am needed by the team, I want to play for Tokyo.

Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)